David Beckham's career with Galaxy over after MLS Cup

The world soccer icon and billboard adorner extraordinaire announced Monday he will play his last game with the Galaxy when they line up against Houston in the MLS Cup on Dec. 1 at Home Depot Center.

The player whose free kicks and Hollywood glitter lifestyle helped nudge the Galaxy and Major League Soccer into the public's consciousness said he will then begin to pursue his next passion of franchise ownership.

The Galaxy issued a statement Monday evening revealing the decision, which is not a complete surprise from the 37-year-old who is completing his sixth season in Los Angeles.

Beckham will expound on his decision at a news conference this morning at Home Depot Center.

"I've had an incredibly special time playing for the L.A. Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career," Beckham said in the statement. "I don't see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future.

"In my time here I have seen the popularity of the game grow every year. I've been fortunate to win trophies, but more important to me has been the fantastic reception I've had from fans in L.A. and across the States. Soccer's potential has no limits in this wonderful country and I want to always be part of growing it."

What this means to the Galaxy beyond 2012 becomes a little more mysterious. Captain Landon Donovan has made vague overtures about his future with the national team, and a move to an overseas remains a potential issue.

Since Beckham's arrival in 2007, MLS has added seven expansion teams. This year's championship match will be the Galaxy's third in four years during the Beckham era. He assisted on Donovan's goal in last year's 1-0 victory over Houston at Home Depot Center.

After last season, Beckham's original five-year contract expired and rampant speculation followed. Beckham decided to turn down a lucrative deal with Paris St. Germain to re-sign with the Galaxy, with the deal also believed to be tied to future ownership potential.

Beckham's original deal was reported to be five years for $32.5 million, in addition to promotional deals that ballooned his income to a reported $250 million over five years. His MLS salary for the 2012 season was $3,999,999.96, according to the MLS Players Union.

In 98 games with the Galaxy, Beckham scored 18 goals and had 40 assists. He has appeared in all 16 playoff games the Galaxy have had since 2009 and set an MLS record by recording an assist in five consecutive postseason games.

In 24 games with the Galaxy this season, he scored a personal MLS-best seven goals and had nine assists. Last season, he had a team-high 15 assists.

He remains the most feared taker of free kicks in the league, with fans anticipating each one that could end up in the goal or be redirected in by a teammate.

A native of London, Beckham has the most international appearances for a field player representing England (115) and scored 17 times for his country. He also had a fabled career with Manchester United, then played for Real Madrid from 2003-07.

"When David Beckham signed with the L.A. Galaxy in 2007, he set out to help grow MLS and the sport of soccer in North America," MLS commissioner Don Garber said.

"There is no doubt that MLS is far more popular and important here and abroad than it was when he arrived.

"David has achieved great things on and off the field during his time with the Galaxy, and he will always be an important part of our history. We look forward to his continued involvement with the L.A. Galaxy and the league."